Tips for a Successful DIY Spa Party

Taking time to care for yourself while caring for everyone else you love is one of the most important time investments any woman can make for health and wellness. Here are 10 tips for hosting a successful spa party that will be refreshing and relaxing for everyone - including you.

Simplify

Keep it simple. The goal of a trip to the spa is to experience pampering and relaxation at a higher level than usual. Skip the super hostess syndrome and have guests bring their own:

• Towels
• Washcloths
• Robes
• Tubs for foot soaks
• Drinks

Spa Party Checklist

Use a simple party planning checklist like this one to make sure you do not forget any important detail. Check each item off when completed and sit back and relax; you are ready for some girl time pampering.

1. Guest List
2. Invitations Sent
3. Replies Received
4. Food
5. Drinks (optional)
6. Music
7. Equipment needed (CD player, IPod, etc.)
8. Decorations
9. Supplies Needed
10. Products needed
11. Clean-up

Atmosphere

Set the mood. Keep decorations simple; focus on earth and nature tones like browns, blues, and greens for decorations. Utilize items you already have: plants, candles, or a fountain. For some ideas and suggestions on easy decorations try The do-It-Yourself Home Spa Party.

Melodies

Music is a key component of spa parties. The sound of waves gently lapping at the beach, raindrops, or the exotic tinkle of wind chimes - all these combined with music create the sensation of relaxing in a tropical paradise.

Treatment Types

How will you pamper your guests? Special treatments for hands and feet like manicures and pedicures are always appreciated, but so are massages and facial treatments. Spending an evening focusing on glamour techniques and learning new makeup looks and tips makes an unusual fun girl's night out.

Let's Party

Invitations -- what's your pleasure: do-it-yourself invitations or purchased invites? Either way, a perky party invitation sets the scene and is good spa party tip. Why not have the best of both worlds and send an evite?

Homemade Beauty

Making your own spa products ahead of time for guests to use may sound like fun if you are the creative type; however, it could be more fun to buy the supplies and let the guests join in and help make spa creations. Think about the dynamics of the group you have invited and make your decision based on their synergy. Homemade beauty products recipes are inexpensive, easy to make, and give you control over the quantity and quality of the products.

Spa Party Kits

Save some major stress and buy a spa party in a box or kit. How does Chocolate Therapy or Death by Chocolate sound? Springdale Collection offers a variety of specialized spa-at-home packages from their collection:

Springdale Spa at Home, The Chocolate Republic, Java Spa and essence of the vine.

Food

Refreshments can be as simple as cheese, crackers, and fruit or you can choose to whip up one of these delectable spa party recipes.

Fresh Summer Fruit in Ginger-Wine Sauce
Tropical Fruit Salad
Gingered Lemon-Lime Fizz

Odds and Ends

Party favors, take-home goodie bags, prizes, and games are tips for a successful spa party. These can be as simple as a votive candle for each guest or a more elaborate creation. Here are some ideas for starters:

Bath Salt Party Favors
Spa Trivia and Recipes
Free Spa Party Games